Have a project in mind?

The majority of projects will benefit from, if not require, architectural assistance. This is to optimize the design to suit requirements, assess feasibility and buildability, assist with the relevant planning and Building Control permissions, and produce the technical design and coordinate structural engineering. Having a project correctly designed from the outset can provide greater cost certainty, help avoid costly mistakes during construction, and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to deliver a successful project.

Subject to site designations, many properties benefit from permitted development rights, allowing certain works to proceed without full planning permission, provided they meet the relevant rules. Where permitted development rights do not apply, planning permission is required. We work with clients to develop their proposals, determine the appropriate application, and, acting as their agent, manage the submission and process through to determination.

Building Regulations approval and Building Control sign-off are typically required for most projects, with limited exemptions for certain porches, conservatories, sheds and outbuildings. Approval can be obtained through the Council’s Building Control department via a Building Notice or Full Plans application, or through an independent inspector. The preferred route often depends on the contractor, with this usually arranged by the architect and contractor during tender or once the Building Regulations package has been prepared.

A project, such as extensions and loft conversions, will usually take around 5-months. This is to produce the design, take it through relevant applications with the council (including the app’s determination period of 10-12 weeks), and then through the technical design to produce the Building Regs drawings. However, some larger or complex projects can take considerably longer. We help with what we can to shorten the process where required and help towards the efficiency of the process.

THe cost of a project can vary considerably, with cost per sqm calculations no longer accurate or range massively, we do what we can to help with cost estimates by engaging with potential contractors at an early stage. We also help to tender our projects once all design information and permissions have been carried out, working with your preferred contractor or ones that we know and trust.

Client input is central to our design process, with clients involved throughout each stage of the project. From developing the initial project brief and scope through to reviewing and refining the design at key stages, we work collaboratively to ensure the proposals reflect their needs, preferences and aspirations. This is particularly important when working on clients’ homes, where the design is a personal experience and one that we take great pride and satisfaction in delivering.

We can work and communicate with your builder/contractor if you have one chosen or in mind. It is of benefit to have a builder/contractor on board early to help with certain areas of the project such as the cost of construction where possible.

It is always advisable however to obtain a few quotations. We know and work with trusted contractors that we are happy to recommend and help in estimates and tendering of the project.

We are advocates of sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of homes, and there are a number of ways and areas in which we can look at, assess, and design into your project to enhance the property’s performance overall.

The form, orientation, and glazing is typically looked at right from the concept stage, and the more technical items captured during the technical design and Building Regs pack production.

The Studio Zed team is made up of professionals that are qualified, accredited, and active members of ARB (Architects Registration Board), CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists), and RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute). As a company we are forward thinking and focused on continual professional development.

We are insured and covered within the necessary areas of Professional Indemnity, Public Indemnity, and Employer’s Liability, and operate in strict accordance with industry requirements and guidelines.